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Friday, 14 July 2017

HILARIOUS BATWA TRAIL IN MGAHINGA GORILLA NATIONAL PARK

For
over 500000 years while in the dense jungles of Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, is
the rarest experience in human life that only a few creatures can manage to spend. Who are the Batwa? Well, this is a
commonly asked question but interestingly, the Batwa pygmies were the first
occupants of an ancient tropical rain forest in Southwestern Uganda. A trip to
Mgahinga Gorilla National Park is not only viewing mountain gorillas in the wild
but also opportunity to encounter Uganda’s most incredible pygmies.

THE BATWA PYGMY IN THE SHELTER

An
encounter with the Batwa pygmies, is not only staring at their eyes, take your
time and look at their heights; the fact is that after your cultural safari in Southwestern
Uganda, you will get on your knees saying God created people but other
creatures are incomparably the rarest on earth. The Batwa were popular hunters
and gatherers who did not cause any negative impact on the forest. They took
what they wanted and that was the end of the story! Indeed they were the
“keepers of the forest!” Today, these creatures are the most marginalized group
in Uganda given the fact that they were pushed out of their ancient home where
they lived for countless decades. Conservation can be blamed for this but on
other hand we appreciate it because we would not have any idea about these unique people!

The Batwa Trail experience is a newly established project around Bwindi
Impenetrable Forest and Mgahinga Gorilla National Park which is intended to
restore the might tradition, dignity and hope of the Batwa pygmies which in turn will keep their traditions and culture alive for both the current and future generation. The
trail is also intended to offer job opportunities to the Batwa, in form of tour guiding which in turn will help them pay the school fees of their children
as well as support their well being.

Like we
all have our cultural backgrounds, the Batwa equally have a tremendous cultural
set up that is worthy exploring and that is why the Batwa Trail in Mgahinga
Gorilla National Park is one of the must to include while in your gorilla
safari. The walk through these pygmies’ home begins with a Batwa elder who will
be on her or his ancient skins as they take you through inspiring stories concerning their creation up to the time when they were keepers of the
forest.

Your
hike will also take you through the stunning Mount Muhabura which denotes the
guide and then proceed to Mount Gahinga where the guide will go on his or her
knees to demonstrate his ancient life in the forest. After, you may taste some
forest berries that these hunters and gatherers used to harvest at a time, and
at this point, you will also explore some valuable plant species especially
those that are traditionally of medical value-known to treat blood pressure and
many medical problems in life. As others may think about going to clinics or
pharmacies, some creatures like the Batwa pygmies were and are still not be part of this.

As you
continue, the guide will demonstrate to you how they used make fire, hunting,
trapping, gathering techniques and where possible you will get hold of a bow
and arrow that they used as a tool for hunting. At the end, you will be filled
with lessons on how these creatures lived in the forest for that long and
patiently kept the forest. As well, you will also have opportunity to see
crafts like making bamboo cups and traditional clothing that the Batwa used at
a time.

Arrive
at Garama Caves where the Batwa king lived at a time and foreigners were
not permitted to have access into place. It was from here that these people
also had refuge from their enemies. Get a bit down on your knees and enter into
the sacred Garama Cave and be welcomed by darkness and then thrilling songs of
sorrow as the Batwa women mourn , sing touching songs as to why they were forced out
their forest and wishing if they can be allowed to go back into the jungles.
You will almost get yourself into tears but be strong it is their story! Get
out of the Cave and excite the mind with dramatic dance and music as these
ancient forest occupants demonstrate to you authentic African experiences of a
life time.

In
conclusion, Batwa Trail is one of the most remarkable experiences that come
once in a life time. The trail is the best way to explore the Batwa ancient
life styles which in turn will enrich you with a life time experiences. Discover the Batwa secrets in Bwindi Impenetrable Forest!